Nanoparticle Compositions and Methods for Making and Using the Same

ABSTRACT

A composition that includes solid lubricant nanoparticles and an organic medium is disclosed. Also disclosed are nanoparticles that include layered materials. A method of producing a nanoparticle by milling layered materials is provided. Also disclosed is a method of making a lubricant, the method including milling layered materials to form nanoparticles and incorporating the nanoparticles into a base to form a lubricant.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/758,307 filed on Jan. 12, 2006, which is hereby fully incorporated by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Efforts associated with the subject matter of this application were supported in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF/DMI 0115532). The government may have certain rights in any patent issuing from this application.

BACKGROUND

Over the years, considerable effort has been expended to develop nanostructures that can be used as lubricants, coatings, or delivery mechanisms. New ways to improve nanoparticle compositions, their method of manufacture, and their use are sought.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a composition is described, comprising solid lubricant nanoparticles and an organic medium.

In another aspect, nanoparticles comprising a layered material are disclosed.

In a further aspect, a method of producing a nanoparticle comprising milling layered materials is provided.

In yet another aspect, a method of making a lubricant is disclosed, in which the method comprises milling layered materials to form nanoparticles and incorporating the nanoparticles into a base to form a lubricant.

Other aspects will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a method of producing solid lubricant nanoparticles.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating one method of preparing nanoparticle based lubricants.

FIG. 3 shows transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrographs of molybdenum disulphide particles. FIG. 3(A) shows molybdenum disulphide as it is available, typically from about a few microns to submicron size. FIG. 3(B) shows molybdenum disulphide that has been ball milled in air for 48 hours. FIG. 3(C) is a high resolution electron microscopy image that shows molybdenum disulphide that has been ball milled in air for 48 hours. FIG. 3(D) is a high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) image that shows molybdenum disulphide that has been ball milled in air for 48 hours followed by ball milling in oil for 48 hours.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing XRD spectra of molybdenum disulphide particles. FIG. 4(A) is the XRD spectra for molybdenum disulphide that has been ball milled in air for 48 hours followed by ball milling in oil for 48 hours. FIG. 4(B) is the XRD spectra for molybdenum disulphide that has been ball milled in air for 48 hours. FIG. 4(C) is the XRD spectra for molybdenum disulphide that has not been ball milled.

FIG. 5 is a graph showing XPS spectra of molybdenum disulphide particles. The carbon peak for molybdenum disulphide that has not been ball milled is shown, as well as the carbon peak for molybdenum disulphide that has been ball milled in air for 48 hours, followed by ball milling in oil for 48 hours. FIG. 6 shows graphs and bar charts depicting tribological test data for different additives in paraffin oil. FIG. 6(A) shows the average wear scar diameter for a base oil (paraffin oil), paraffin oil with micron sized MoS₂, paraffin oil with MoS₂ that was milled in air for 48 hours, and paraffin oil with MoS₂ that was milled in air for 48 hours followed by milling in canola oil for 48 hours. FIG. 6(B) shows the load wear index for paraffin oil without a nanoparticle additive, paraffin oil with micron sized MoS₂, paraffin oil with MoS₂ that was milled in air for 48 hours, and paraffin oil with MoS₂ that was milled in air for 48 hours followed by milling in canola oil for 48 hours. FIG. 6(C) shows the COF for paraffin oil without a nanoparticle additive, paraffin oil with micron sized MoS₂ (c-MoS₂), paraffin oil with MoS₂ that was milled in air for 48 hours (d-MoS₂), and paraffin oil with MoS₂ that was milled in air for 48 hours followed by milling in canola oil for 48 hours (n-MoS₂). FIG. 6(D) shows the extreme pressure data for paraffin oil with micron sized MoS₂ (c-MoS₂), paraffin oil with MoS₂ that was milled in air for 48 hours (d-MoS₂), and paraffin oil with MoS₂ that was milled in air for 48 hours followed by milling in canola oil for 48 hours (n-MoS₂). In each test the solid lubricant nanoparticle additive was present in the amount of 1% by weight.

FIG. 7 is a TEM image showing the architecture of molybdenum disulphide nanoparticles (15-70 nm average size). FIG. 7(A) shows the close caged dense oval shaped architecture of molybdenum disulphide nanoparticles that have been ball milled in air for 48 hours. FIG. 7(B) shows the open ended oval shaped architecture of molybdenum disulphide nanoparticles that have been ball milled in air for 48 hours followed by ball milling in canola oil for 48 hours.

FIG. 8 is a graph depicting a comparison of wear scar diameters for different additives in paraffin oil. One additive is crystalline molybdenum disulphide (c-MOS₂). Another is molybdenum disulphide nanoparticles that were ball milled in air (n-MOS₂). Another additive is molybdenum disulphide nanoparticles that were ball milled in air followed by ball milling in canola oil and to which a phospholipid emulsifier was added (n-MoS₂+Emulsifier).

FIG. 9 shows photographs and graphs produced using energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDS) depicting the chemical analysis of wear scar diameters in four-ball tribological testing for nanoparticle based lubricants. FIG. 9(A) shows paraffin oil without any nanoparticle composition additive. FIG. 9(B) shows paraffin oil with molybdenum disulphide nanoparticles that have been ball milled in air for 48 hours followed by ball milling in oil for 48 hours and treated with a phospholipid emulsifier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Any numerical range recited herein includes all values from the lower value to the upper value. For example, if a concentration range is stated as 1% to 50%, it is intended that values such as 2% to 40%, 10% to 30%, or 1% to 3%, etc., are expressly enumerated in this specification. These are only examples of what is specifically intended, and all possible combinations of numerical values between and including the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application.

Herein described are compositions and methods for making compositions comprising solid lubricant nanoparticles and an organic medium. Also described are nanoparticles comprising layered materials. The nanoparticles may be solid lubricant nanoparticles. The nanoparticles may be made from starting materials or solid lubricant starting materials. Examples of solid lubricants may include, but are not limited to, layered materials, suitably chalcogenides, more suitably, molybdenum disulphide, tungsten disulphide, or a combination thereof. Another suitable layered material is graphite or intercalated graphite. Other solid lubricants that may be used alone or in combination with the layered materials are polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon®), boron nitride (suitably hexagonal boron nitride), soft metals (such as silver, lead, nickel, copper), cerium fluoride, zinc oxide, silver sulfate, cadmium iodide, lead iodide, barium fluoride, tin sulfide, zinc phosphate, zinc sulfide, mica, boron nitrate, borax, fluorinated carbon, zinc phosphide, boron, or a combination thereof. Fluorinated carbons may be, without limitation, carbon-based materials such as graphite which has been fluorinated to improve its aesthetic characteristics. Such materials may include, for example, a material such as CF.sub.x wherein x ranges from about 0.05 to about 1.2. Such a material is produced by Allied Chemical under the trade name Accufluor.

The methods may include milling a solid lubricant feed. In one embodiment, the solid lubricant feed may be capable of being milled to particles comprising an average dimension of about 500 nanometers (submicron size) to about 10 nanometers. Suitably, the particles may have an average particle dimension of less than or equal to about 500 nanometers, suitably less than or equal to about 100 nanometers, suitably less than or equal to about 80 nanometers, and more suitably less than or equal to about 50 nanometers. Alternatively, the ball milling may result in milled solid lubricant particles comprising a mixture, the mixture comprising particles having an average particle dimension of less than or equal to about 500 nanometers, plus larger particles. Milling may include, among other things, ball milling and chemo mechanical milling. Examples of ball milling may include dry ball milling, wet ball milling, and combinations thereof. Ball milling may refer to an impaction process that may include two interacting objects where one object may be a ball, a rod, 4 pointed pins (jack shape), or other shapes. Chemo mechanical milling may refer to an impaction process that may form a complex between an organic medium and a nanoparticle. As a result of chemo mechanical milling, the organic medium may coat, encapsulate, or intercalate the nanoparticles.

In another embodiment, the solid lubricant feed may be dry milled and then wet milled. An emulsifier may be mixed with a base and added to the wet milled particles. Dry milling may refer to particles that have been milled in the presence of a vacuum, a gas, or a combination thereof. Wet milling may refer to particles that have been milled in the presence of a liquid.

The solid lubricant nanoparticle composition may further comprise an organic medium. Examples of organic mediums include, but are not limited to, oil mediums, grease mediums, alcohol mediums, or combinations thereof. Specific examples of organic mediums include, but are not limited to, composite oil, canola oil, vegetable oils, soybean oil, corn oil, ethyl and methyl esters of rapeseed oil, distilled monoglycerides, monoglycerides, diglycerides, acetic acid esters of monoglycerides, organic acid esters of monoglycerides, sorbitan, sorbitan esters of fatty acids, propylene glycol esters of fatty acids, polyglycerol esters of fatty acids, n-hexadecane, hydrocarbon oils, phospholipids, or a combination thereof. Many of these organic media may be environmentally acceptable.

The composition may contain emulsifiers, surfactants, or dispersants. Examples of emulsifiers may include, but are not limited to, emulsifiers having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) from about 2 to about 7; alternatively, a HLB from about 3 to about 5; or alternatively, a HLB of about 4. Other examples of emulsifiers may include, but are not limited to, lecithins, soy lecithins, phospholipids lecithins, detergents, distilled monoglycerides, monoglycerides, diglycerides, acetic acid esters of monoglycerides, organic acid esters of monoglycerides, sorbitan esters of fatty acids, propylene glycol esters of fatty acids, polyglycerol esters of fatty acids, compounds containing phosphorous, compounds containing sulfur, compounds containing nitrogen, or a combination thereof.

A method of making a lubricant is described. The composition may be used as an additive dispersed in a base. Examples of bases may include, but are not limited to, oils, greases, plastics, gels, sprays, or a combination thereof. Specific examples of bases may include, but are not limited to, hydrocarbon oils, vegetable oils, corn oil, peanut oil, canola oil, soybean oil, mineral oil, paraffin oils, synthetic oils, petroleum gels, petroleum greases, hydrocarbon gels, hydrocarbon greases, lithium based greases, fluoroether based greases, ethylenebistearamide, waxes, silicones, or a combination thereof.

Described herein is a method of lubricating or coating an object that is part of an end application with a composition comprising at least one of solid lubricant nanoparticles and an organic medium. Further described is a method of lubricating an object by employing the composition comprising solid lubricant nanoparticles and an organic medium as a delivery mechanism.

Disclosed herein are compositions and methods of preparing nanoparticle based lubricants that, among various advantages, display enhanced dispersion stability and resistance to agglomeration. FIG. 1 illustrates a method of preparing nanoparticle based lubricants or compositions. A solid lubricant feed is introduced via line 210 to a ball milling processor 215. Ball milling is carried out in the processor 215 and the solid lubricant feed is milled to comprise particles having an average particle dimension of less than or equal to about 500 nanometers, suitably less than or equal to about 100 nanometers, suitably less than or equal to about 80 nanometers, and more suitably less than or equal to about 50 nanometers. Alternatively, the ball milling may result in milled solid lubricant particles comprising a mixture, the mixture comprising particles having an average particle dimension of less than or equal to about 500 nanometers, plus larger particles. The ball milling may be high energy ball milling, medium energy ball milling, or combinations thereof. Additionally, in various embodiments the ball milling may be carried out in a vacuum, in the presence of a gas, in the presence of a liquid, in the presence of a second solid, or combinations thereof. The nanoparticle composition may be removed from the processor via line 220. The nanoparticle composition may be a nanoparticle based lubricant.

In alternative embodiments, the ball milling may comprise a first ball milling and at least one more subsequent ball millings, or ball milling and/or other processing as appropriate. Suitably, the ball milling may comprise dry milling followed by wet milling. FIG. 2 illustrates a further method 100 of preparing nanoparticle based lubricants where dry milling is followed by wet milling. Feed 110 introduces a solid lubricant feed into a ball milling processor 115 where dry ball milling, such as in a vacuum or in air, reduces the solid lubricant feed to particles having an average dimension of the size described above. Line 120 carries the dry milled particles to a wet milling processor 125. Via line 160 the dry milled particles are combined with a composite oil or an organic medium prior to entering the wet milling processor 125. Alternatively, the organic medium and dry milled particles may be combined in the wet milling processor 125. In further alternative embodiments (not shown), the dry milling and wet milling may be carried out in a single processor where the organic medium is supplied to the single processor for wet milling after initially carrying out dry milling. In other alternative embodiments, the balls in the ball milling apparatus may be coated with the organic medium to incorporate the organic medium in the solid lubricant nanoparticles.

After wet milling, line 130 carries the wet milled particles to a container 135, which may be a sonication device. Alternatively, line 130 may carry a mixture comprising solid lubricant nanoparticles, organic medium, and a complex comprising the solid lubricant nanoparticles combined with an organic medium.

In another embodiment, prior to introduction of the wet milled particles into the container 135, a base may be fed to the container 135 via line 150. Alternatively, the base may be supplied to the wet milling processor 125 and the mixing, which may include sonicating, may be carried out in the wet milling processor 125. In such embodiments the solid lubricant nanoparticle composition may be employed as an additive and dispersed in the base. A base may be paired with a solid lubricant nanoparticle composition according to the ability of the base and the solid lubricant nanoparticle composition to blend appropriately. In such cases the solid lubricant nanoparticle composition may enhance performance of the base.

In a further embodiment, an emulsifier may be mixed with the base. Emulsifiers may further enhance dispersion of the solid lubricant nanoparticle composition in the base. The emulsifier may be selected to enhance the dispersion stability of a nanoparticle composition in a base. An emulsifier may also be supplied to the container 135 via line 140. In many embodiments, the emulsifier and base are combined in the container 135 prior to introduction of the wet milled particles. Prior mixing of the emulsifier with the base may enhance dispersion upon addition of complexes of solid lubricant nanoparticles and organic medium and/or solid lubricant nanoparticles by homogeneously dispersing/dissolving the complexes/nanoparticles. In some embodiments, the mixing of the emulsifier and base may comprise sonicating. Alternatively, the emulsifier may be supplied to the wet milling processor 125 and the mixing, which may include sonicating, may be carried out in the wet milling processor 125. The lubricant removed from the container 135 via line 120 may be a blend comprising the wet milled particles, organic medium, and base. The blend may further comprise an emulsifier. In other alternative embodiments, additives may be added to the nanoparticle based lubricant during interaction with a mating surface.

In a further embodiment, antioxidants or anticorrosion agents may be milled with the solid lubricant nanoparticles. Examples of antioxidants include, but are not limited to, hindered phenols, alkylated phenols, alkyl amines, aryl amines, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol, 4,4′-di-tert-octyldiphenylamine, tert-Butyl hydroquinone, tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate, phosphites, thioesters, or a combination thereof. Examples of anticorrosion agents include, but are not limited to, alkaline-earth metal bisalkylphenolsulphonates, dithiophosphates, alkenylsuccinic acid half-amides, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, biocidals may be milled with the solid lubricant nanoparticles. Examples of biocidals may include, but are not limited to, alkyl or kydroxylamine benzotriazole, an amine salt of a partial alkyl ester of an alkyl, alkenyl succinic acid, or a combination thereof.

In yet another embodiment, further processing of wet milled particles may comprise removal of oils that are not a part of a complex with the solid lubricant particles. Such methods may be suitable for applications that benefit from use of dry particles of solid lubricant, such as coating applications. Oil and/or other liquids can be removed from wet milled particles to produce substantially dry solid lubricant particles and complexes. Such wet milling followed by drying may produce a solid lubricant with reduced tendency to agglomerate. In specific embodiments, an agent, such as acetone, can be added that dissolves oils that are not a part of a complex, followed by a drying process such as supercritical drying, to produce a substantially dry solid lubricant comprising particles treated by milling in an organic medium.

Ball milling conditions may vary and, in particular, conditions such as temperature, milling time, and size and materials of the balls and vials may be manipulated. In various embodiments, ball milling may be carried out from about 12 hours to about 50 hours, suitably from about 36 hours to about 50 hours, suitably from about 40 hours to about 50 hours, and more suitably at about 48 hours. Suitably, ball milling is conducted at room temperature. The benefits of increasing milling time may comprise at least one of increasing the time for the organic medium and solid lubricant nanoparticles to interact; and producing finer sizes, better yield of nanoparticles, more uniform shapes, and more passive surfaces. An example of ball milling equipment suitable for carrying out the described milling includes the SPEX CertiPrep model 8000D, along with hardened stainless steel vials and hardened stainless steel grinding balls, but any type of ball milling apparatus may be used. In one embodiment, a stress of 600-650 MPa, a load of 14.9 N, and a strain of 10⁻³-10⁻⁴ per sec may be used.

The proportions of the components in a nanoparticle based lubricant may contribute to performance of the lubricant, such as the lubricants dispersion stability and ability to resist agglomeration. In wet milling, suitable ratios of solid lubricant nanoparticles to organic medium may be about 1 part particles to about 4 parts organic medium by weight, suitably, about 1 part particles to about 3 parts organic medium by weight, suitably, about 3 parts particles to about 8 parts organic medium by weight, suitably, about 2 parts particles to about 4 parts organic medium by weight, suitably, about 1 part particles to about 2 parts organic medium by weight, and suitably, about 1 part particles to about 1.5 parts organic medium by weight.

Suitable ratios of organic medium to emulsifier in a lubricant including the solid lubricant nanoparticles may be about 1 part organic medium to less than or equal to about 1 part emulsifier, suitably, about 1 part organic medium to about 0.5 parts emulsifier by weight, or suitably, from about 0.4 to about 1 part emulsifier for about 1 part organic medium by weight.

The amount of solid lubricant nanoparticle composition (by weight) sonicated or dispersed in the base may be from about 0.25% to about 5%, suitably 0.5% to about 3%, suitably 0.5% to about 2%, and more suitably 0.75% to about 2%.

The amount of emulsifier (by weight) sonicated or dissolved in the base, depending on the end application, shelf-life, and the like, may be from about 0.5% to about 10%, suitably from about 4% to about 8%, suitably from about 5% to about 6%, and suitably, from about 0.75% to about 2.25%.

The solid lubricant nanoparticle composition may be used, without limitation, as lubricants, coatings, delivery mechanisms, or a combination thereof. The solid lubricant nanoparticle composition may be used, without limitation, as an additive dispersed in a base oil. The composition may also be used, without limitation, to lubricate a boundary lubrication regime. A boundary lubrication regime may be a lubrication regime where the average oil film thickness may be less than the composite surface roughness and the surface asperities may come into contact with each other under relative motion. During the relative motion of two surfaces with lubricants in various applications, three different lubrication stages may occur, and the boundary lubrication regime may be the most severe condition in terms of temperature, pressure and speed. Mating parts may be exposed to severe contact conditions of high load, low velocity, extreme pressure (for example, 1-2 GPa), and high local temperature (for example, 150-300 degrees C.). The boundary lubrication regime may also exist under lower pressures and low sliding velocities or high temperatures. In the boundary lubrication regime, the mating surfaces may be in direct physical contact. The composition may further be used, without limitation, as a lubricant or coating in machinery applications, manufacturing applications, mining applications, aerospace applications, automotive applications, pharmaceutical applications, medical applications, dental applications, cosmetic applications, food product applications, nutritional applications, health related applications, bio-fuel applications or a combination thereof. Specific examples of uses in end applications include, without limitation, machine tools, bearings, gears, camshafts, pumps, transmissions, piston rings, engines, power generators, pin-joints, aerospace systems, mining equipment, manufacturing equipment, or a combination thereof. Further specific examples of uses may be, without limitation, as an additive in lubricants, greases, gels, compounded plastic parts, pastes, powders, emulsions, dispersions, or combinations thereof. The composition may also be used as a lubricant that employs the solid lubricant nanoparticle composition as a delivery mechanism in pharmaceutical applications, medical applications, dental applications, cosmetic applications, food product applications, nutritional applications, health related applications, bio-fuel applications, or a combination thereof. The various compositions and methods may also be used, without limitation, in hybrid inorganic-organic materials. Examples of applications using inorganic-organic materials, include, but are not limited to, optics, electronics, ionics, mechanics, energy, environment, biology, medicine, smart membranes, separation devices, functional smart coatings, photovoltaic and fuel cells, photocatalysts, new catalysts, sensors, smart microelectronics, micro-optical and photonic components and systems for nanophotonics, innovative cosmetics, intelligent therapeutic vectors that combined targeting, imaging, therapy, and controlled release of active molecules, and nanoceramic-polymer composites for the automobile or packaging industries.

In some embodiments, the ball milling process may create a close caged dense oval shaped architecture (similar to a football shape or fullerene type architecture). This may occur when molybdenum disulphide is milled in a gas or vacuum. FIG. 7(A) shows the close caged dense oval shaped architecture of molybdenum disulphide nanoparticles that have been ball milled in air for 48 hours.

In other embodiments, the ball milling process may create an open ended oval shaped architecture (similar to a coconut shape) of molybdenum disulphide nanoparticles which are intercalated and encapsulated with an organic medium and phospholipids. This may occur when molybdenum disulphide is milled in a gas or vacuum followed by milling in an organic medium. FIG. 7(B) shows the open ended oval shaped architecture of molybdenum disulphide nanoparticles that have been ball milled in air for 48 hours followed by ball milling in canola oil for 48 hours.

As shown in the examples, the tribological performance of the nanoparticle based lubricant may be improved. The tribological performance may be measured by evaluating different properties. An anti-wear property may be a lubricating fluid property that has been measured using the industry standard Four-Ball Wear (ASTM D4172) Test. The Four-Ball Wear Test may evaluate the protection provided by an oil under conditions of pressure and sliding motion. Placed in a bath of the test lubricant, three fixed steel balls may be put into contact with a fourth ball of the same grade in rotating contact at preset test conditions. Lubricant wear protection properties may be measured by comparing the average wear scars on the three fixed balls. The smaller the average wear scar, the better the protection. Extreme pressure properties may be lubricating fluid properties that have been measured using the industry standard Four-Ball Wear (ASTM D2783) Test. This test method may cover the determination of the load-carrying properties of lubricating fluids. The following two determinations may be made: 1) load-wear index (formerly Mean-Hertz load) and 2) weld load (kg). The load-wear index may be the load-carrying property of a lubricant. It may be an index of the ability of a lubricant to minimize wear at applied loads. The weld load may be the lowest applied load in kilograms at which the rotating ball welds to the three stationary balls, indicating the extreme pressure level that the lubricants can withstand. The higher the weld point scores and load wear index values, the better the anti-wear and extreme pressure properties of a lubricant. The coefficient of friction (COF) may be a lubricating fluid property that has been measured using the industry standard Four-Ball Wear (ASTM D4172) Test. COF may be a dimensionless scalar value which describes the ratio of the force of friction between two bodies and the force pressing them together. The coefficient of friction may depend on the materials used. For example, ice on metal has a low COF, while rubber on pavement has a high COF. A common way to reduce friction may be by using a lubricant, such as oil or water, which is placed between two surfaces, often dramatically lessening the COF.

The composition may have a wear scar diameter of about 0.4 mm to about 0.5 mm. The composition may have a COF of about 0.06 to about 0.08. The composition may have a weld load of about 150 kg to about 350 kg. The composition may have a load wear index of about 20 to about 40. The values of these tribological properties may change depending on the amount of solid lubricant nanoparticle composition sonicated or dissolved in the base.

Various features and aspects of the invention are set forth in the following examples, which are intended to be illustrative and not limiting.

EXAMPLES Example 1

Ball milling was performed in a SPEX 8000D machine using hardened stainless steel vials and balls. MoS₂ (Alfa Aesar, 98% pure, 700 nm average particle size) and canola oil (Crisco) were used as the starting materials in a ratio of 1 part MoS₂ (10 grams) to 2 parts canola oil (20 grams). The ball to powder ratio was 2 to 1. In other words, the ball weight in the container was 2% by weight and the weight of the MoS₂ sample was 1% by weight. MoS₂ was ball milled for 48 hours in air followed by milling in canola oil for 48 hrs at room temperature. The nanoparticles were about 50 nm after ball milling. Table 1 summarizes milling conditions and resultant particle morphologies. It was observed that there was a strong effect of milling media on the shape of the ball milled nanoparticles. Dry milling showed buckling and folding of the planes when the particle size was reduced from micron size to nanometer size. However, the dry milling condition used here produced micro clusters embedding several nanoparticles. On the other hand, wet milling showed no buckling but saw de-agglomeration.

TABLE 1 Milling conditions and parametric effect on particle size and shape Shape of the particles Shape of the clusters Dry Milling 12 hours Plate-like with sharp edges Sharp and irregular 24 hours Plate-like with round edges More or less rounded 48 hours Spherical Globular clusters Wet Milling 12 hours Thin plates with sharp edges Thing plates with sharp edges 24 hours Thin plates with sharp edges Thin plates with sharp edges 48 hours Thin plates with sharp edges Thin plates with sharp edges

TABLE 2 Effect of milling media on resultant size (starting size sub-micron), shape, and agglomeration of particles Dry milled and Properties Dry Alcohol Oil oil milled Clusters size (nm) 100 300 200 100 Particle size (nm) 30 80 80 30 Agglomeration High Very less Very less Very less Shape of the Spherical Platelet Platelet Spherical particles

FIG. 3 shows TEM micrographs of the as-available (700 nm), air milled and hybrid milled (48 hrs in air medium followed by 48 hours in oil medium) MoS₂ nanoparticles. FIG. 3(A) represents micron-sized particle chunks of the as-available MoS₂ sample off the shelf. These micrographs, particularly FIG. 3(B), represent agglomerates of lubricant nanoparticles when milled in the air medium. FIG. 3(B) clearly demonstrates size reduction in air milled MoS₂. Higher magnification (circular regions) revealed formation of the disc shaped nanoparticles after milling in the air medium. From FIG. 3(C) and 3(D) it may be concluded that the particle size was reduced to less than 30 nm after milling in air and hybrid conditions. Regardless of the occasionally observed clusters, the average size of the clusters is less than or equal to 200 nm.

Hybrid milled samples were dispersed in paraffin oil (from Walmart) and remained suspended without settling. However, the dispersion was not uniform after a few weeks. To stabilize the dispersion and extend the anti-wear properties, phospholipids were added. Around 2% by weight of soy lecithin phospholipids (from American Lecithin) was added in the base oil.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show the XRD and XPS spectra of MoS₂ before and after ball milling, respectively. XRD spectra revealed no phase change as well as no observable amorphization in the MoS₂ after milling. This observation is consistent with the continuous platelets observed throughout the nanoparticle matrix in TEM analysis for milled material. Broadening of peaks (FWHM) was observed in XRD spectra of MoS₂ ball milled in air and hybrid media, respectively. The peak broadening may be attributed to the reduction in particle size. The estimated grain size is 6 nm. This follows the theme of ball milling where clusters consist of grains and sub-grains of the order of 10 nm. XPS analysis was carried out to study the surface chemistry of the as-available and hybrid milled MoS₂ nanoparticles. As shown in FIG. 3, a carbon (C) peak observed at 285 eV in the as-available MoS₂ sample shifted to 286.7 eV. Bonding energies of 286 eV and 287.8 eV correspond to C—O and C═O bond formation, respectively. The observed binding energy level may demonstrate that a thin layer containing mixed C—O & C═O chains enfolds the MoS₂ particles.

Preliminary, tribological tests on the synthesized nanoparticles were performed on a four-ball machine by following ASTM 4172. The balls used were made of AISI 52100 stainless steel and were highly polished. Four Ball Wear Scar measurements using ASTM D4172 were made under the following test conditions:

Test Temperature, ° C. 75 (±1.7) Test Duration, min 60 (±1) Spindle Speed, rpm 1,200 (±60) Load, kg 40 (±0.2) Wear scar diameter (WSD, mm) of each stationary ball was quantified in both vertical and horizontal directions. The average value of WSD from 3 independent tests was reported within ±0.03 mm accuracy.

Four Ball Extreme Pressure measurements using ASTM D2783 were made under the following test conditions:

Test Temperature, ° C. 23 Test Duration, min 60 (±1) Spindle Speed, rpm 1,770 (±60) Load, kg Varies, 10-sec/stage Ball Material AISI-E52100 Hardness 64-66 Grade 25EP

Three different particles (in w/w ratio) were evaluated for their anti-wear properties as additives in paraffin oil. FIG. 6(A) shows the average wear scar measurements for paraffin oil without a nanoparticle additive, paraffin oil with micron sized MoS₂, paraffin oil with MoS₂ that was milled in air for 48 hours, and paraffin oil with MoS₂ that was milled in air for 48 hours followed by milling in canola oil for 48 hours. FIG. 6(B) shows the load wear index for paraffin oil without a nanoparticle additive, paraffin oil with micron sized MoS₂, paraffin oil with MoS₂ that was milled in air for 48 hours, and paraffin oil with MoS₂ that was milled in air for 48 hours followed by milling in canola oil for 48 hours. FIG. 6(C) shows the COF for paraffin oil without a nanoparticle additive, paraffin oil with micron sized MoS₂, paraffin oil with MoS₂ that was milled in air for 48 hours, and paraffin oil with MoS₂ that was milled in air for 48 hours followed by milling in canola oil for 48 hours. FIG. 6(D) shows the extreme pressure data for paraffin oil with micron sized MoS₂, paraffin oil with MoS₂ that was milled in air for 48 hours, and paraffin oil with MoS₂ that was milled in air for 48 hours followed by milling in canola oil for 48 hours. In each test the nanoparticle additive was present in the amount of 1% by weight.

Test data from nanoparticle composition additive in base oil Four Ball Extreme pressure Solid Lubricant Four Ball Tests at 40 kg Load (ASTM D-2783) All dispersions diluted to x % (ASTM D4172) Weld Load Load Wear by wt. in reference base oil WSD (mm) COF (kg) Index Paraffin oil 1.033 0.155 126 12.1 Nanoparticles of MoS₂ 1.012 0.102 100 16.1 without organic medium (0.5%) Nanoparticles of MoS₂ 0.960 0.114 126 20.8 without organic medium (1.0%) Nanoparticles of MoS₂ 0.915 0.098 126 22.0 without organic medium (1.5%) Conventional available micro 1.009 0.126 160 22.0 particles (0.5%) Conventional available micro 0.948 0.091 126 19.1 particles (1.0%) Conventional available micro 0.922 0.106 126 16.5 particles (1.5%) NanoGlide: Nanoparticles of 0.451 0.077 160 24.8 MoS₂ with organic medium (0.5%) NanoGlide: Nanoparticles of 0.461 0.069 200 25.9 MoS₂ with organic medium (1.0%) NanoGlide: Nanoparticles of 0.466 0.075 315 34.3 MoS₂ with organic medium (1.5%)

The transfer film in the wear scar, studied using energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDS), identified the signatures of phosphates in addition to molybdenum and sulphur. FIG. 9( a) depicts the base case of paraffin oil without a nanoparticle additive. FIG. 9(b) depicts paraffin oil with the molybdenum disulphide nanoparticles and the emulsifier. It shows the early evidences of molybdenum (Mo)-sulphur (S)-phosphorous (P) in the wear track. Iron (Fe) is seen in FIGS. 9( a) and 9(b), as it is the material of the balls (52100 steel) in the four-ball test. The molybdenum and sulphur peaks coincide and are not distinguishable because they have the same binding energy. Elemental mapping also showed similar results.

Prophetic Examples

Examples 2-23 are made using a similar method as Example 1, unless specified otherwise.

Example 2

MoS₂ (Alfa Aesar, 98% pure, 700 nm average particle size) and canola oil from ADM are used as the starting materials. The MoS₂ powder is ball milled for various time conditions, variable ball/powder ratios, and under various ambient conditions, starting with air, canola oil and the subsequent combination of milling in air followed by milling in canola oil. It is also ball milled in different types of organic media. For example, one organic medium that is used is canola oil methyl ester. The processing of this will be similar to the above mentioned example.

Different types of ball milling processes can be used. For instance, in the first step, cryo ball milling in air followed by high temperature ball milling in an organic medium is used.

After the ball milling, the active EP-EA (extreme pressure—environmentally acceptable) particles are treated with phospholipids that have been mixed with a base oil such as paraffin oil.

Example 3

Molybdenum disulphide is ball milled with boron using a ratio of 1 part molybdenum disulphide to 1 part boron. This mixture is then ball milled with vegetable oil (canola oil) using a ratio of 1 part solid lubricant nanoparticles to 1.5 parts canola oil. An emulsifier is added using a ratio of 1 part solid lubricant nanoparticle composition (MoS₂-boron-canola oil) to 2 parts emulsifier. This is added to the base oil (paraffin oil).

Example 4

Molybdenum disulphide is ball milled with copper using a ratio of 1 part molybdenum disulphide to 1 part metal. This mixture is then ball milled with vegetable oil (canola oil) using a ratio of 1 part solid lubricant nanoparticles to 1.5 parts canola oil. An emulsifier is added using a ratio of 1 part solid lubricant nanoparticle composition (MoS₂-copper-canola oil) to 2 parts emulsifier. This is added to the base oil (paraffin oil).

Example 5

A molybdenum disulphide/graphite (obtained from Alfa Aesar) mixture in the ratio of 1:1 is ball milled. This mixture is then ball milled with vegetable oil (canola oil) using a ratio of 1 part solid lubricant nanoparticles to 1.5 parts canola oil. An emulsifier is added using a ratio of 1 part solid lubricant nanoparticle composition (MOS2-graphite-canola oil) to 2 parts emulsifier. This is added to the base oil paraffin oil).

Example 6

A molybdenum disulphide/boron nitride (Alfa Aesar) mixture in the ratio of 1:1 mixture is ball milled. This mixture is then ball milled with vegetable oil (canola oil) using a ratio of 1 part solid lubricant nanoparticles to 1.5 parts canola oil. An emulsifier is added using a ratio of 1 part solid lubricant nanoparticle composition (MoS₂-boron nitride-canola oil) to 2 parts emulsifier. This is added to the base oil (paraffin oil).

Example 7

A molybdenum disulphide/graphite/boron nitride mixture in the ratio 1:1:1 is ball milled. This mixture is then ball milled with vegetable oil (canola oil) using a ratio of 1 part solid lubricant nanoparticles to 1.5 parts canola oil. An emulsifier is added using a ratio of 1 part solid lubricant nanoparticle composition (MoS₂-graphite-boron nitride-canola oil) to 2 parts emulsifier. This is added to the base oil (paraffin oil).

Example 8

A molybdenum disulphide/graphite mixture in the ratio of 1:1:1 is ball milled. This mixture is then ball milled with vegetable oil (canola oil) using a ratio of 1 part solid lubricant nanoparticles to 1.5 parts canola oil. An emulsifier is added using a ratio of 1 part solid lubricant nanoparticle composition (MoS₂-graphite-boron-canola oil) to 2 parts emulsifier. This is added to the base oil (paraffin oil).

Example 9

A molybdenum disulphide/graphite mixture in the ratio of 1:1 is ball milled with copper using a ratio of 1 part molybdenum disulphide/graphite to 1 part metal. This mixture is then ball milled with vegetable oil (canola oil) using a ratio of 1 part solid lubricant nanoparticles to 1.5 parts canola oil. An emulsifier is added using a ratio of 1 part solid lubricant nanoparticle composition (MoS₂-graphite-copper-canola oil) to 2 parts emulsifier. This is added to the base oil (paraffin oil).

Example 10

A molybdenum disulphide/boron nitride mixture in the ratio of 1:1 is ball milled with boron using a ratio of 1 part molybdenum disulphide/boron nitride to 1 part metal. This mixture is then ball milled with vegetable oil (canola oil) using a ratio of 1 part solid lubricant nanoparticles to 1.5 parts canola oil. An emulsifier is added using a ratio of 1 part solid lubricant nanoparticle composition (MoS₂-boron nitride-boron-canola oil) to 2 parts emulsifier. This is added to the base oil (paraffin oil).

Example 11

A molybdenum disulphide/boron nitride mixture in the ratio of 1:1 mixture is ball milled with copper using a ratio of 1 part molybdenum disulphide/boron nitride to 1 part metal. This mixture is then ball milled with vegetable oil (canola oil) using a ratio of 1 part solid lubricant nanoparticles to 1.5 parts canola oil. An emulsifier is added using a ratio of 1 part solid lubricant nanoparticle composition (MoS₂-boron nitride-copper-canola oil) to 2 parts emulsifier. This is added to the base oil (paraffin oil).

Example 12

A molybdenum disulphide/boron nitride/graphite mixture in the ratio of 1:1:1 is ball milled with boron using a ratio of 1 part molybdenum disulphide/boron nitride/graphite to 1 part metal. This mixture is then ball milled with vegetable oil (canola oil) using a ratio of 1 part solid lubricant nanoparticles to 1.5 parts canola oil. An emulsifier is added using a ratio of 1 part solid lubricant nanoparticle composition (MoS₂-boron nitride-graphite-boron-Canola oil) to 2 parts emulsifier. This is added to the base oil (paraffin oil).

Example 13

A molybdenum disulphide/boron nitride/graphite in the ratio of 1:1:1 is ball milled with copper using a ratio of 1 part molybdenum disulphide/boron nitride/graphite to 1 part metal. This mixture is then ball milled with vegetable oil (canola oil) using a ratio of 1 part solid lubricant nanoparticles to 1.5 parts canola oil. An emulsifier is added using a ratio of 1 part solid lubricant nanoparticle composition (MoS₂-boron nitride-graphite-copper-canola oil) to 2 parts emulsifier. This is added to the base oil (paraffin oil).

Example 14

Molybdenum disulphide is ball milled with polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon®) in a ration of 1 part molybdenum disulphide to 1 part Teflon®. This mixture is then added to the base oil (paraffin oil) with a phospholipid emulsifier (soy lecithin).

Example 15

Molybdenum disulphide is ball milled with polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon®) in a ration of 1 part molybdenum disulphide to 1 part Teflon®. This mixture is then added to the base oil (paraffin oil) with a phospholipid emulsifier (soy lecithin).

Example 16

Molybdenum disulphide is ball milled with metal additives like copper, silver, lead etc. in a ratio of 1 part molybdenum disulphide to 1 part metal additive. This mixture is further ball milled in vegetable oil based esters (canola oil methyl esters) in a ratio of 1 part solid lubricant nanoparticles to 1.5 parts esters. An emulsifier is added using a ratio of 1 part solid lubricant nanoparticle composition (MOS₂-esters) to 2 parts phospholipid emulsifier. This is added to the base oil (paraffin oil).

Example 17

Molybdenum disulphide is ball milled with metal additives like copper, silver, lead etc. in a ratio of 1 part molybdenum disulphide to 1 part metal additive. This mixture is further ball milled in vegetable oil based esters (canola oil methyl esters) in a ratio of 1 part solid lubricant nanoparticles to 1.5 parts esters. This is added to the base oil (paraffin oil).

Example 18

Molybdenum disulphide is ball milled. The solid lubricant nanoparticles are further ball milled in vegetable oil based esters (canola oil methyl esters) in a ratio of 1 part solid lubricant nanoparticles to 1.5 parts esters. An emulsifier is added using a ratio of 1 part solid lubricant nanoparticle composition (MoS₂-esters) to 2 parts phospholipid emulsifier. This is added to the base oil (paraffin oil).

Example 19

Molybdenum disulphide is ball milled. The solid lubricant nanoparticles are further ball milled in vegetable oil based esters (canola oil methyl esters) in a ratio of 1 part solid lubricant nanoparticles to 1.5 parts esters. This is added to the base oil (paraffin oil).

Example 20

Molybdenum disulphide is ball milled with metal additives like copper, silver, lead etc. in a ratio of 1 part molybdenum disulphide to 1 part metal additive. This mixture is further ball milled in fatty acids (oleic acid) in a ratio of 1 part solid lubricant nanoparticles to 1.5 parts fatty acids. An emulsifier is added using a ratio of 1 part solid lubricant nanoparticle composition (MoS₂-oleic acid) to 2 parts phospholipid emulsifier. This is added to the base oil (paraffin oil).

Example 21

Molybdenum disulphide is ball milled with metal additives like copper, silver, lead etc. in a ratio of 1 part molybdenum disulphide to 1 part metal additive. This mixture is further ball milled in fatty acids (oleic acid) in a ratio of 1 part solid lubricant nanoparticles to 1.5 parts fatty acids. This is added to the base oil (paraffin oil).

Example 22

Molybdenum disulphide is ball milled. The solid lubricant nanoparticles are further ball milled in fatty acids (oleic acid) in a ratio of 1 part solid lubricant nanoparticles to 1.5 parts fatty acids. An emulsifier is added using a ratio of 1 part solid lubricant nanoparticle composition (MoS₂-oleic acid) to 2 parts phospholipid emulsifier. This is added to the base oil (paraffin oil).

Example 23

Molybdenum disulphide is ball milled. The solid lubricant nanoparticles are further ball milled in fatty acids (oleic acid) in a ratio of 1 part solid lubricant nanoparticles to 1.5 parts fatty acids. This is added to the base oil (paraffin oil). 

1.-70. (canceled)
 71. A method of making a nanoparticle composition comprising: (a) dry milling a solid lubricant to produce a dry milled solid lubricant, the dry milled solid lubricant comprising nanoparticles having an average particle dimension of less than 500 nm, and wherein at least a portion of the nanoparticles have an open ended oval shape; (b) contacting the dry milled solid lubricant with an organic medium to produce a dry milled nanoparticle composition.
 72. The method of claim 71, further comprising wet milling the dry milled nanoparticle composition to produce a wet milled nanoparticle composition.
 73. The method of claim 71, wherein the solid lubricant comprises molybdenum disulphide, tungsten disulphide, graphite, boron nitride or a combination thereof.
 74. The method of claim 71, wherein the organic medium comprises composite oil, canola oil, vegetable oils, soybean oil, corn oil, ethyl and methyl esters of rapeseed oil, distilled monoglycerides, monoglycerides, diglycerides, acetic acid esters of monoglycerides, organic acid esters of monoglycerides, sorbitan, sorbitan esters of fatty acids, propylene glycol esters of fatty acids, polyglycerol esters of fatty acids, hydrocarbon oils, n-hexadecane, or a combination thereof.
 75. The method of claim 71, wherein polytetrafluoroethylene, boron nitride, hexagonal boron nitride, soft metals, silver, lead, nickel, copper, cerium fluoride, zinc oxide, silver sulfate, cadmium iodide, lead iodide, barium fluoride, tin sulfide, zinc phosphate, zinc sulfide, mica, boron nitrate, borax, fluorinated carbon, zinc phosphide, boron, or a combination thereof is added at step (a), or at step (b), or at both steps (a) and (b).
 76. The method of claim 71, wherein an anti-oxidant or an anti-corrosion material is added at step (a), or at step (b), or at both steps (a) and (b).
 77. The method of claim 71, wherein the average particle dimension is less than or equal to 100 nm.
 78. The method of claim 71, wherein the dry milling comprises ball milling, and is carried out for a time period of from about 12 hours to about 50 hours.
 79. The method of claim 71, further comprising mixing the dry milled nanoparticle composition with an organic base to produce a dry-milled-nanoparticle-organic base mixture.
 80. The method of claim 79, wherein the organic base comprises oil, grease, plastic, gel, wax, silicone, or a combination thereof.
 81. The method of claim 79, further comprising adding polytetrafluoroethylene, boron nitride, hexagonal boron nitride, soft metals, silver, lead, nickel, copper, cerium fluoride, zinc oxide, silver sulfate, cadmium iodide, lead iodide, barium fluoride, tin sulfide, zinc phosphate, zinc sulfide, mica, boron nitrate, borax, fluorinated carbon, zinc phosphide, boron, molybdenum disulphide, tungsten disulphide, graphite or a combination thereof.
 82. The method of claim 79, further comprising adding an anti-oxidant, an anti-corrosion material, an emulsifier, or a combination thereof.
 83. The method of claim 72, further comprising mixing the wet milled nanoparticle composition with an organic base to produce a wet-milled-nanoparticle-organic base mixture.
 84. The method of claim 83, wherein the organic base comprises oil, grease, plastic, gel, wax, silicone, or a combination thereof.
 85. The method of claim 83, further comprising adding polytetrafluoroethylene, boron nitride, hexagonal boron nitride, soft metals, silver, lead, nickel, copper, cerium fluoride, zinc oxide, silver sulfate, cadmium iodide, lead iodide, barium fluoride, tin sulfide, zinc phosphate, zinc sulfide, mica, boron nitrate, borax, fluorinated carbon, zinc phosphide, boron, molybdenum disulphide, tungsten disulphide, graphite or a combination thereof.
 86. The method of claim 83, further comprising adding an anti-oxidant, an anti-corrosion material, an emulsifier, or a combination thereof.
 87. The method of claim 72, wherein the wet milling comprises ball milling, and is carried out for a time period of from about 12 hours to about 50 hours.
 88. A dry-milled solid lubricant nanoparticle composition produced by the method of claim
 71. 89. The composition of claim 88, wherein the nanoparticles are intercalated or encapsulated with an organic medium.
 90. The composition of claim 88, wherein the composition comprises from about 0.25% to about 5% nanoparticles by weight.
 91. The composition of claim 90, wherein the composition comprises from about 0.5% to about 2% nanoparticles by weight.
 92. The composition of claim 88, further comprising an emulsifier.
 93. The composition of claim 92, comprising from about 0.5% to about 10% emulsifier by weight.
 94. The composition of claim 93, comprising from about 0.75% to about 2.25% emulsifier by weight.
 95. The composition of claim 92, wherein the emulsifier comprises lecithins, phospholipids, soy lecithins, detergents, distilled monoglycerides, monoglycerides, diglycerides, acetic acid esters of monoglycerides, organic acid esters of monoglycerides, sorbitan esters of fatty acids, propylene glycol esters of fatty acids, polyglycerol esters of fatty acids, or a combination thereof.
 96. The composition of claim 88, further comprising an antioxidant.
 97. The composition of claim 96 wherein the antioxidant comprises hindered phenols, alkylated phenols, alkyl amines, aryl amines, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol, 4,4′-di-tert-octyldiphenylamine, tert-butyl hydroquinone, tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate, phosphites, thioesters, or a combination thereof.
 98. The composition of claim 88, further comprising an anticorrosion agent.
 99. The composition of claim 98, wherein the anticorrosion agent comprises alkaline earth metal bisalkylphenolsulphonates, dithiophosphates, alkenylsuccinic acid half-amides, or a combination thereof.
 100. A wet-milled solid lubricant nanoparticle composition produced by the method of claim
 72. 101. The composition of claim 100, wherein the nanoparticles are intercalated or encapsulated with an organic medium.
 102. The composition of claim 100, wherein the composition comprises from about 0.25% to about 5% nanoparticles by weight.
 103. The composition of claim 100, further comprising an emulsifier, an antioxidant, an anticorrosion agent, or a combination thereof.
 104. A composition comprising close-caged dense oval shaped solid lubricant nanoparticles.
 105. A composition comprising open-ended oval shaped solid lubricant nanoparticles.
 106. The composition of claim 105, wherein the nanoparticles are combined with an organic medium.
 107. The composition of claim 106, wherein the nanoparticles are intercalated or encapsulated with the organic medium.
 108. A method of using the composition of claim 105 as a lubricant.
 109. A method of using the composition of claim 105 as a coating. 